Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are relatively new to DC and we are applying to both schools for 9th grade. My DC is now in a public school. He is very athletic, loves sports, bright but not very hard working, although gets goods grades consistently. What school would fit him better?

St. John’s I don’t think GDS is as athletic focused

This would be a problem at GDS.

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t gds on a sooner timeline than any of the Catholic schools?

No, the deadline for GDS is January, for SJC was December 3rd

OP, I just want to make sure you have a backup plan. If you are only applying to two schools, are you comfortable with your public option if he doesn't get in? I don't know if you are coming from a place where private schools are as compeititve as here, but you need to think of it like college to some degree, and have a safety in mind - public or private.

Anonymous wrote:We are relatively new to DC and we are applying to both schools for 9th grade. My DC is now in a public school. He is very athletic, loves sports, bright but not very hard working, although gets goods grades consistently. What school would fit him better?

St. John’s I don’t think GDS is as athletic focused

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St John's, with the caveat that if your DC is not a FABULOUS standout in one particular sport he is likely to be cut before making varsity. Many of their teams are nationally ranked.

+1
It would be helpful to know the sport. For instance, the baseball coach was enough to cross this school off our list. Didn't want to be at the mercy of this one guy for travel and high school. Would never EVER hop into that program.


For other sports, make sure you're realistic about your kid before assuming they'll make the team. Not a school where you casually play three sports.

This is us too. We applied but not thrilled with the baseball coach and his reputation. My DD also plays football as his main sport but he wants to play baseball too and not willing to play year round for this guy (which is what we’ve been told to expect).

Anonymous wrote:St John's, with the caveat that if your DC is not a FABULOUS standout in one particular sport he is likely to be cut before making varsity. Many of their teams are nationally ranked.

+1
It would be helpful to know the sport. For instance, the baseball coach was enough to cross this school off our list. Didn't want to be at the mercy of this one guy for travel and high school. Would never EVER hop into that program.


For other sports, make sure you're realistic about your kid before assuming they'll make the team. Not a school where you casually play three sports.

Both are good schools, but attract students with different priorities.
GDS is a stronger school academically; St. Johns is a stronger school athletically. GDS is very progressive; St. John's is more traditional. GDS is PK-12,; St. John's is 9-12. They are geographically only about two miles apart from each other, but St. John's is more like a suburban HS, and GDS feels more urban. Both are pretty diverse schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One thing they have in common sportswise is they both have top notch running programs - both Cross Country and Coach. Both Head Coaches are exceptional coaches and people.

GDS does not have a " top running program" LOL.... its in the Private school league, which is super easy.

They both compete in DCSAA. It would seem SJC girls individually perform slightly better than GDS, especially after they lost their top girl last year. Doesn’t really say much though since it’s very much an individual sport (with exception of relays).

https://www.dcsaasports.org/page/show/3453915-outdoor-track-and-field

Anonymous wrote:One thing they have in common sportswise is they both have top notch running programs - both Cross Country and Coach. Both Head Coaches are exceptional coaches and people.

GDS does not have a " top running program" LOL.... its in the Private school league, which is super easy.

Anonymous wrote:St. Johns has a lot more lower and middle class kids. GDS has a lot more UMC + wealthy kids. The schools are very different.

GDS awards financial aid and this is given primarily to PoC. St. John’s tuition is half or less that of GDS but also awards financial aid. SJCHS is much larger and there is a significant population of very affluent people. I find it to be more of a mix - like public schools should be (but aren’t always).

Huge difference is that GDS was closed for nearly all of the pandemic, with classes meeting virtually. SJCHS was open most of the time, or with a hybrid schedule.

GDS students call teachers by first name; SJCHS uses formal address.

GDS kids tend to be very outspoken, can appear argumentative as they adjust to school. Lots of competitiveness.

SJC kids tend to be outwardly respectful and polite.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest an Ed consultant if you’re pressed for time. Applications are due in January. I feel that as someone outside of DC you could use help. The schools admissions people speak a weird code that’s confusing to those outside the DMV. Good luck on your search.

GDS had a 9% or so admittance rate last year. You may want to add other schools and not count on it as an option. SJC sports are so competitive your child may not make the team.

Totally made up number.

I don't know how anyone has such an exact number. But at the same time, but* our DCs are in a very good DC k-8 where most of the 8th graders apply to GDS. Over past two or three years, about one in ten gets in. 9% wouldn't surprise me at all.

* both our DCs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest an Ed consultant if you’re pressed for time. Applications are due in January. I feel that as someone outside of DC you could use help. The schools admissions people speak a weird code that’s confusing to those outside the DMV. Good luck on your search.

GDS had a 9% or so admittance rate last year. You may want to add other schools and not count on it as an option. SJC sports are so competitive your child may not make the team.

Totally made up number.

I don't know how anyone has such an exact number. But at the same time, but our DCs are in a very good DC k-8 where most of the 8th graders apply to GDS. Over past two or three years, about one in ten gets in. 9% wouldn't surprise me at all.

Anonymous wrote:More like Berkeley and Notre Dame.

Spot-on!

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest an Ed consultant if you’re pressed for time. Applications are due in January. I feel that as someone outside of DC you could use help. The schools admissions people speak a weird code that’s confusing to those outside the DMV. Good luck on your search.

GDS had a 9% or so admittance rate last year. You may want to add other schools and not count on it as an option. SJC sports are so competitive your child may not make the team.

Totally made up number.

Isn’t gds on a sooner timeline than any of the Catholic schools?